I don’t shop very often, which means I wear the same clothes for years and years — and this extends to my running wardrobe. However, what that means is, I might be missing out on whatever’s new in running apparel. (Especially since I have tree-trunk legs that can make longer distances a painful affair 😢)
What have you discovered in the world of running apparel that’s made a difference for you? Whether it’s hats, leggings, shorts, shirts, jackets, or even shoes — though I know that opens up a whole world of its own there! — what have you found that you love?
I’m dying to know, because honestly I know so little. I’d love to know what you’ve learned! — Terrell
If you didn't look into Path Projects, I don't know what to tell you other than this: I have 4 shorts, 3 base liners, 2 t-shirts from them. Every one of them is minimum 4-5 years old. Every one of them looks new. I generally take their shorts to the beach, put a run in, and run into the water straight after. Work as both! (I can say the same about run rabbit shorts too). Game changer for me!
I have worn the same running shorts for over twenty years, the same trainers for over twenty years. The cotton t-shirt does change. It often has a military insignia; usually from the last military base I was just stationed at.
When I started doing halves in 2008, I found a pair of Nikes that were perfect for me … first and last pair. Was in Boston visiting daughter and guy at Marathon Sports fit me with Brooks Dyads … been a Brooks runner ever since. When my orthopedist told me I needed an arched shoe, in spite of my having flat feet, I switched from Glycerins to Adrenalines … my feet are happy!
Sunglasses: As Karen said, Goodr has the best sunglasses I've ever worn, for any occasion but especially running, at a super reasonable price. And they've lasted for years!
Shoes: I finally decided to go into Fleet Feet to have them look at my feet and watch me run. They recommended 3 shoes, and I picked the best one for me: Saucony Triumph, Men's 11.5 Wide. Fantastic. And they've lasted quite a while, though I can tell it's time for a new pair. I think mine was the Triumph 20, and they're on the 21 now. Maybe I can find a 20 on clearance somewhere in my size? I can dream, right?
It's a great question once again Terrell! It's also one I am pretty passionate about.
It is also such a personal decision or preference. My preferences might not fly for others, but over the last several years mine have been fully vetted and fine tuned. :)
My list:
Wearables:
Apple Watch version 6: Favorite feature is the downloadable Spotify playlist for when I am off the grid
Apple air pods Pro 2
Socks:
Balega "Silver" socks: I must have 20 pairs. I wear these for work too. Just the right amount of cushioning and great for every run, ride and gym session
Underwear:
Under Armour 9" boxer jock. Longer and dont ride up
Shorts/Tights/Pants:
Vuori Ponto short
Korsa 8" short
Under Armour Heat Gear tights
Vuori Ponto pants (most comfortable thing I own)
Shirts:
Typically a Tri-blend or a 50/50 combo. I dont really wear the tech tees or 100% cotton
Shoes:
Admittedly a longer discussion. I have more running shoes than my wife has shoes. I will limit this to the main pairs I am alternating through now:
Altra Torin 7
New Balance Super Comp Trainer v2
Hoka Mach 5
Saucony Freedom 3's and 4's
Asics Nimbus 25
Hoka Mafate Speed 4 (the best trail runner I have found to date!)
Morning Terrell! Late in responding to gear but here we go....
Sunglasses are the Goodr brand and NOTHINg else! These sunglasses are amazing! There isn’t a pair on the website that’s over $35! They fit well and are polarized...helps to see rocks and roots on trail runs. I have several pair and change with my mood! Shoes are brooks glycerin all the way! Have run in them for so long....during the pandemic I kept buying them as they were on sale...still have 5 pair in boxes🤦♀️. They are hidden in my laundry room so my husband doesn’t question my addiction😜I generally wear tights in cooler weather but during the summer I wear a brand of bike shorts called Tres Pinas....Women’s gear. They stay in place and don’t creep up in the inner thigh area...so annoying! Shirts can be anything I’m in the mood for....not a huge fan of running just in a sports bra...this girls too old for that!😂 happy runs today all!
So much fun reading everyone’s comments on all things “wearable”. Learned a lot, saw awesome websites, and heard from new people. Great topic Terrell. I wonder if you would get similar participation if you asked what was their most memorable race or run; where else do they find their running inspiration to juice up their next run, what is on their playlists or top 10 favorites, their go to podcasters, best running books, running movies or documentaries. Love the sharing of all things running. Thanks again T.
Wore Mizuno shoes for years and then something changed and were less comfy. Shop owner suggested Brooks and wore Ghosts for a few years. Had bunion and Ghost toe box was too narrow so became Glycerin fan. This year began wearing Glycerin GTS that has wider toe box and more cushion. LOVE them. Prefer bottoms with double pockets and cotton tees. Headed out here shortly for a six miler before the sun rises too much. Although humidity is at 96% 😳 Y’all have a blessed day!!!
On thing that has changed in my wardrobe is my shorts. I have started wearing the kind that has the built in compression shorts... the ones from Target are actually my favorite. In the summer heat, they keep your inner thighs from rubbing together and chafing... I think it's the little things that make all the difference.
I’m like you. I use my race shirts for training runs. I have my “I run to burn off the crazy” shirt for races. Although I’m not sure I ever even come close to burning it all off 🤣. Change running shoes 1 or 2 times a year depends on miles. Baggie Walmart shorts with an awesome pocket that I have had for years. Crazy compression compression socks that I wear every day anyway. Interested in what others have to say.
I really like Under Armour Heat gear for weather above 40F. Ya, I run warm so it's shorts and t-shirt above 40F. Below 40F I will wear Smartwool tights and long-sleeved shirt, maybe a light wind breaker. I will wear my bicycle wool liner to keep my ears warm.
Below 30 I may layer up more. Especially in winter where it may be 17F with a wind chill that drops it to 5F.
I also am hooked on Saucony Endorphin Pro shoes. Various models for training Rotation.
I recently purchased some SA sleeves for sun protection and will try those in the next week or so.
I tend to over pronate so I looked up the best shoe for that and it is the ASICS Gel-Kayano 28. I’m on my 2nd pair and recently during Amazon Prime Days they were half price so I got pair #3!
For clothes it’s pretty much shirts from races which now are usually moisture wicking etc. In the winter I like my Lululemon compression tights but wear bicycle shorts/ capris with side pockets in the summer.
I’m pretty devoted to Asics for my shoes, and have been for some time (decades!!) I’ve tried a few other brands of running shoes, but they haven’t held up as well for me as the Asics have. They work with my gait, apparently. 🤣
As for apparel, I have a zip-up I got for Christmas from my stepmom centuries ago. I wish I knew the brand off the top of my head—I think it’s North Face or Columbia?? I’d go dig it up but it’s with my winter clothes. It has faux sheep fleece all throughout the lining and it’s incredible for winter runs. It can get super cold here so it’s very appreciated! The Yaktrax I bought are also amazingly useful in the winter and are a serious game changer in that time of year.
Salonpas pain patches might not be apparel, per se, but oh my goodness they’re a life saver. 🤣
Like you, Terrell. I am not a fan of clothes shopping. I go for cheap and wicking. The running clothes I have are either from Penney's or Chi Running and have been used through rains, snow and Half Marathons. They fit and I see no need to change. Shoes. . . I've looked at the fancy ones. Too weird and bulky for me. I use Merrell Vapor Gloves for running--Version 5 since the Version 3 has been discontinued--but I love them, use them for everything! They are like going barefoot (with Vibram soles) and are comfortable--for me--as old bedroom slippers. For Trails, ice, rain, mud, I use Xero Shoes Mesa Traill II. The soles are gripp-y. the shoe is not heavy. Again, they are best rated barefoot, and do not have too much "fancy" to them. I have a number of Xero Shoes as I've been a "Born to Run" fan since the book came out.
Another hot, dry day here in the Oregon hills. Took me a number of days to find a trail to "walk/run " on. It's only .6 miles to Warbling Creek Park, all uphill, the downhill is ferocious. I'm about to give it a try. . . may have to get a walking stick, but I'm game!
Watching these comments like a hawk for recommendations 👀
Shorts: my biggest annoyance. Oiselle pocket joggers are my go-to and the best I've found, but finding shorts that are long enough but not too long *that don't ride up* is a s t r u g g l e, compressive or not. I stick to tighter styles now — I have given up on finding short, flowy shorts that don't ride up (I love Erin Azar's "thigh gobbling" shorts reviews on Instagram) — and still. It's rough out there if you don't have a thigh gap.
Sports bras: no, actually, this is my biggest annoyance.
Shoes: hopelessly devoted to Brooks. RIP Ravenna, but I actually like the Launch now.
P.S. If you wear Asics Gel Kayano in women's 9.5...and you would like a pair with less than four miles on them...minimal scuffs cleaned up by hand to look pristine... let me know, I'll give you a good deal.
I recently bought a shirt from Run Rabbit that I LOVE, "EZ Tee Perf"
For shoes I have over 1000 miles (running and walking) on my Xero Speedforce. Recently I got a pair of Luna sandals. Running in them has been...interesting, but they feel free in a way no other shoe ever has.
I switched to Hoka a few years ago when my Nike flyknits that I Loved weren't working for longer runs. Rincon is very lightweight, yet cushioned. They do wear faster but then I just demote them to walking around shoes and eventually yard shoes.
And I never buy shorts without a decent, preferably zippered pocket.
I'm going to end all my comments with... See you in Richmond. 😊
Nike shorts with the built in compression short works for me. A good moisture wicking, light weight shirt works well, except in winter (Pacific Northwest). I don’t see much mention for Asics shoes, but I love mine!
My husband bought me running shorts with built-in bike shorts for my birthday one year. They were from WALMART and I was horrified, but because he thought he’d given me something wonderful for my birthday, I wore them. Imagine my surprise to discover they were the most comfortable shorts I have ever owned!!! I am wearing these shorts until they fall apart. I don’t know if Walmart still carries them, but when I need new ones, I’m buying these again.
I wear light and never overdress. It has to be wicking apparel. I mostly wear the shits from running events. I sometime carry fluid 8oz. In a waist pack. It has a pocket to carry my phone. Alway wear my blue tooth and listen to whatever. It the best time to catch up on books, YouTube, Audible, etc.
As far as shoes I’m wearing New Balance now. My Podiatrist recommends Hoka because the toe has a good tip off. But the wear out faster than any running show I’ve worn. That’s a lot!! I can’t justify $155+ for a shoe that wears that quickly. I mean on the first run the soles wear too quick. I had to put shoe goo on wear marks. So now I stick to NB and super satisfied, so far no injuries.
I wear Nike pegasus - toe box fits well for me. I also have begun to wear compression socks - I have a vericose vein in one leg and I am finding that the socks help with leg fatigue and any soreness relative to the vein. I'd love to hear anybody else's experience with regards to vericose veins!
I am much like you Terrell in that I love what I buy and wear it until it falls apart. However I have recently purchased a few items ( running shorts & light weight, rain resistant jacket called the Houdini) from Patagonia since they are so environmentally progressive and there quality is above and beyond. I have become a Patagonia raving fan... Re:shoes, after 50 years of experimenting with a dozen brands, I find the Brooks “ghost” provides this aging runner with the best “fit” and “quality”.....
I like when I find nicer brands like Korsa/Rabbit on-sale or on a clearance rack. I usually can't convince myself of the full price option. So, it feels like a small victory when I find discounted "lux" running gear.
I switched to running in Altras a few years back and think these shoes have kept me injury free. Specifically I’m interested in any zero drop shoes but Altras have a great wide forefoot. The added benefit is zero drop lasts a lot longer than other shoes.
I discovered Lululemon running shorts a few years ago. They cost too much but last forever.
I'm kind of unconventional- I live in Amish country and I have to say my favorite training apparel is a baggy T-shirt and a pair of worn out scrub pants- loads of pockets for my music ,no one is offended by me in shorts if a buggy passes. For a race though, I like Nike shorts-again-pockets.
I typically look for sale rack items for shorts. Shirts are from races, and socks I usually stick with known running sock brands. I splurged once for Run Janji while in Boston where they had a pop-up shop. They donate a lot to water projects in Africa.
I love New Balance and Nike running clothes. New Balance has a line called Impact Run and I am totally in love with their bike short and leggings in this line They wear well and have the all important side pockets! Unfortunately, I think they are discontinuing the bike short. However I just purchased 4 pair (don't judge, lol!) at Joe's New Balance outlet online. Nike has some amazing cold weather tops that I really like as well. For me, I have found that the fit and longevity of the items from both companies make the clothes well worth the price. That said, I almost always buy items when they are on sale or clearance. For cold temps, I like tights from Woolx. It seems that my legs and bum always freeze on cold runs and these tights really help keep me warm. I can layer sweat pants over them if it's really cold, or wind pants in windy conditions to stay comfortable. Another item I really like is Headsweats visors. I wear one of these most of the year and will just add a warm headband in cold weather to keep my ears warm. Hoka is my shoe brand. I haven't looked back since I tried my first pair of Cliftons! I love the springiness of the cushioning and as the shoe gets older the foam doesn't get boggy, but really seems to retain much of that springy feeling.
I'm a big fan of Tracksmith - just love the quality and style. I have a green merino longsleeve since forever.
I also tried lots of shorts and found out that the plain vanilla Nike 2-1 shorts work best for me - and I love the hand pockets where I can just stash my gels and my iPhone.
After years of trying to be all things to all people by selling running bras with removable pads, one company at least has gotten the memo. No one likes removable pads. They are hard to put back after washing. If you don’t put them back, the bras don’t fit the same. Kudos to Brooks for reviving bras with built in padding that does not fail in the wash because it’s seamless, of the same material as the rest of the bra. These bras are flying out of running stores. No, I don’t work for Brooks, and I’m not a brand ambassador. I encourage other brands to follow their lead and simplify our lives. No more orphan bra pads cluttering up drawers! (They tend to follow socks into the washing universe’s black hole.)
I hear you with wearing the same clothes for years and years. My wife is always trying to get me to throw old t-shirts and shorts away. I will say the one thing I am addicted to are sleeveless tops. When I was younger I wouldn't have been caught dead in a shirt without sleeves. Now I don't run in anything else. Less shirt to get all sweaty and clingy, nothing on chafe my arms on a long run.
I spent a long time trying to figure out what to hold my phone in while running. Arm bands universally sucked. I used belts for a while and still use them on longer runs. But most of the time I just hold my phone now. . .
i love my rabbit shorts. they make their shirts impossible for me to wear (too short in length) but the running shorts are so comfortable and i love that they have a zip pocket. i also love my brooks dare running bra (they changed the style but i'm happy that i have 3 of the tried and true) and i love love love my tracksmith winter tights. they are comfortable, warm tight at the waist so they don't drag down, and they have a zipper too! i also have various race shirts, tanks and jackets that mean the world to me.
If you didn't look into Path Projects, I don't know what to tell you other than this: I have 4 shorts, 3 base liners, 2 t-shirts from them. Every one of them is minimum 4-5 years old. Every one of them looks new. I generally take their shorts to the beach, put a run in, and run into the water straight after. Work as both! (I can say the same about run rabbit shorts too). Game changer for me!
I have worn the same running shorts for over twenty years, the same trainers for over twenty years. The cotton t-shirt does change. It often has a military insignia; usually from the last military base I was just stationed at.
Love the topic Terrell.
Showing my age but I started with the Nike Onitsuka Tiger shoes. The orange flats. Running with Brooks only now for 7 years plus.
When I started doing halves in 2008, I found a pair of Nikes that were perfect for me … first and last pair. Was in Boston visiting daughter and guy at Marathon Sports fit me with Brooks Dyads … been a Brooks runner ever since. When my orthopedist told me I needed an arched shoe, in spite of my having flat feet, I switched from Glycerins to Adrenalines … my feet are happy!
Sunglasses: As Karen said, Goodr has the best sunglasses I've ever worn, for any occasion but especially running, at a super reasonable price. And they've lasted for years!
Shoes: I finally decided to go into Fleet Feet to have them look at my feet and watch me run. They recommended 3 shoes, and I picked the best one for me: Saucony Triumph, Men's 11.5 Wide. Fantastic. And they've lasted quite a while, though I can tell it's time for a new pair. I think mine was the Triumph 20, and they're on the 21 now. Maybe I can find a 20 on clearance somewhere in my size? I can dream, right?
It's a great question once again Terrell! It's also one I am pretty passionate about.
It is also such a personal decision or preference. My preferences might not fly for others, but over the last several years mine have been fully vetted and fine tuned. :)
My list:
Wearables:
Apple Watch version 6: Favorite feature is the downloadable Spotify playlist for when I am off the grid
Apple air pods Pro 2
Socks:
Balega "Silver" socks: I must have 20 pairs. I wear these for work too. Just the right amount of cushioning and great for every run, ride and gym session
Underwear:
Under Armour 9" boxer jock. Longer and dont ride up
Shorts/Tights/Pants:
Vuori Ponto short
Korsa 8" short
Under Armour Heat Gear tights
Vuori Ponto pants (most comfortable thing I own)
Shirts:
Typically a Tri-blend or a 50/50 combo. I dont really wear the tech tees or 100% cotton
Shoes:
Admittedly a longer discussion. I have more running shoes than my wife has shoes. I will limit this to the main pairs I am alternating through now:
Altra Torin 7
New Balance Super Comp Trainer v2
Hoka Mach 5
Saucony Freedom 3's and 4's
Asics Nimbus 25
Hoka Mafate Speed 4 (the best trail runner I have found to date!)
Morning Terrell! Late in responding to gear but here we go....
Sunglasses are the Goodr brand and NOTHINg else! These sunglasses are amazing! There isn’t a pair on the website that’s over $35! They fit well and are polarized...helps to see rocks and roots on trail runs. I have several pair and change with my mood! Shoes are brooks glycerin all the way! Have run in them for so long....during the pandemic I kept buying them as they were on sale...still have 5 pair in boxes🤦♀️. They are hidden in my laundry room so my husband doesn’t question my addiction😜I generally wear tights in cooler weather but during the summer I wear a brand of bike shorts called Tres Pinas....Women’s gear. They stay in place and don’t creep up in the inner thigh area...so annoying! Shirts can be anything I’m in the mood for....not a huge fan of running just in a sports bra...this girls too old for that!😂 happy runs today all!
So much fun reading everyone’s comments on all things “wearable”. Learned a lot, saw awesome websites, and heard from new people. Great topic Terrell. I wonder if you would get similar participation if you asked what was their most memorable race or run; where else do they find their running inspiration to juice up their next run, what is on their playlists or top 10 favorites, their go to podcasters, best running books, running movies or documentaries. Love the sharing of all things running. Thanks again T.
Wore Mizuno shoes for years and then something changed and were less comfy. Shop owner suggested Brooks and wore Ghosts for a few years. Had bunion and Ghost toe box was too narrow so became Glycerin fan. This year began wearing Glycerin GTS that has wider toe box and more cushion. LOVE them. Prefer bottoms with double pockets and cotton tees. Headed out here shortly for a six miler before the sun rises too much. Although humidity is at 96% 😳 Y’all have a blessed day!!!
Nike's fly knits and Asics for footwear
Underarmour for garments
Decathlon is a good alternative store too.
On thing that has changed in my wardrobe is my shorts. I have started wearing the kind that has the built in compression shorts... the ones from Target are actually my favorite. In the summer heat, they keep your inner thighs from rubbing together and chafing... I think it's the little things that make all the difference.
I’ll check it out…. Thanks Nilima!
I’m like you. I use my race shirts for training runs. I have my “I run to burn off the crazy” shirt for races. Although I’m not sure I ever even come close to burning it all off 🤣. Change running shoes 1 or 2 times a year depends on miles. Baggie Walmart shorts with an awesome pocket that I have had for years. Crazy compression compression socks that I wear every day anyway. Interested in what others have to say.
I really like Under Armour Heat gear for weather above 40F. Ya, I run warm so it's shorts and t-shirt above 40F. Below 40F I will wear Smartwool tights and long-sleeved shirt, maybe a light wind breaker. I will wear my bicycle wool liner to keep my ears warm.
Below 30 I may layer up more. Especially in winter where it may be 17F with a wind chill that drops it to 5F.
I also am hooked on Saucony Endorphin Pro shoes. Various models for training Rotation.
I recently purchased some SA sleeves for sun protection and will try those in the next week or so.
Yep!
Does it really matter? :)
I tend to over pronate so I looked up the best shoe for that and it is the ASICS Gel-Kayano 28. I’m on my 2nd pair and recently during Amazon Prime Days they were half price so I got pair #3!
For clothes it’s pretty much shirts from races which now are usually moisture wicking etc. In the winter I like my Lululemon compression tights but wear bicycle shorts/ capris with side pockets in the summer.
I ran in Hokas until trying Nike Vaporfly. Now, I can’t go back. I haven’t tried ASICS, but May after reading some of these responses.
I’m pretty devoted to Asics for my shoes, and have been for some time (decades!!) I’ve tried a few other brands of running shoes, but they haven’t held up as well for me as the Asics have. They work with my gait, apparently. 🤣
As for apparel, I have a zip-up I got for Christmas from my stepmom centuries ago. I wish I knew the brand off the top of my head—I think it’s North Face or Columbia?? I’d go dig it up but it’s with my winter clothes. It has faux sheep fleece all throughout the lining and it’s incredible for winter runs. It can get super cold here so it’s very appreciated! The Yaktrax I bought are also amazingly useful in the winter and are a serious game changer in that time of year.
Salonpas pain patches might not be apparel, per se, but oh my goodness they’re a life saver. 🤣
Like you, Terrell. I am not a fan of clothes shopping. I go for cheap and wicking. The running clothes I have are either from Penney's or Chi Running and have been used through rains, snow and Half Marathons. They fit and I see no need to change. Shoes. . . I've looked at the fancy ones. Too weird and bulky for me. I use Merrell Vapor Gloves for running--Version 5 since the Version 3 has been discontinued--but I love them, use them for everything! They are like going barefoot (with Vibram soles) and are comfortable--for me--as old bedroom slippers. For Trails, ice, rain, mud, I use Xero Shoes Mesa Traill II. The soles are gripp-y. the shoe is not heavy. Again, they are best rated barefoot, and do not have too much "fancy" to them. I have a number of Xero Shoes as I've been a "Born to Run" fan since the book came out.
Another hot, dry day here in the Oregon hills. Took me a number of days to find a trail to "walk/run " on. It's only .6 miles to Warbling Creek Park, all uphill, the downhill is ferocious. I'm about to give it a try. . . may have to get a walking stick, but I'm game!
Take Care!
Watching these comments like a hawk for recommendations 👀
Shorts: my biggest annoyance. Oiselle pocket joggers are my go-to and the best I've found, but finding shorts that are long enough but not too long *that don't ride up* is a s t r u g g l e, compressive or not. I stick to tighter styles now — I have given up on finding short, flowy shorts that don't ride up (I love Erin Azar's "thigh gobbling" shorts reviews on Instagram) — and still. It's rough out there if you don't have a thigh gap.
Sports bras: no, actually, this is my biggest annoyance.
Shoes: hopelessly devoted to Brooks. RIP Ravenna, but I actually like the Launch now.
P.S. If you wear Asics Gel Kayano in women's 9.5...and you would like a pair with less than four miles on them...minimal scuffs cleaned up by hand to look pristine... let me know, I'll give you a good deal.
Nilima.....
I recently bought a shirt from Run Rabbit that I LOVE, "EZ Tee Perf"
For shoes I have over 1000 miles (running and walking) on my Xero Speedforce. Recently I got a pair of Luna sandals. Running in them has been...interesting, but they feel free in a way no other shoe ever has.
I switched to Hoka a few years ago when my Nike flyknits that I Loved weren't working for longer runs. Rincon is very lightweight, yet cushioned. They do wear faster but then I just demote them to walking around shoes and eventually yard shoes.
And I never buy shorts without a decent, preferably zippered pocket.
I'm going to end all my comments with... See you in Richmond. 😊
Hoka
Nike shorts with the built in compression short works for me. A good moisture wicking, light weight shirt works well, except in winter (Pacific Northwest). I don’t see much mention for Asics shoes, but I love mine!
My husband bought me running shorts with built-in bike shorts for my birthday one year. They were from WALMART and I was horrified, but because he thought he’d given me something wonderful for my birthday, I wore them. Imagine my surprise to discover they were the most comfortable shorts I have ever owned!!! I am wearing these shorts until they fall apart. I don’t know if Walmart still carries them, but when I need new ones, I’m buying these again.
I wear light and never overdress. It has to be wicking apparel. I mostly wear the shits from running events. I sometime carry fluid 8oz. In a waist pack. It has a pocket to carry my phone. Alway wear my blue tooth and listen to whatever. It the best time to catch up on books, YouTube, Audible, etc.
As far as shoes I’m wearing New Balance now. My Podiatrist recommends Hoka because the toe has a good tip off. But the wear out faster than any running show I’ve worn. That’s a lot!! I can’t justify $155+ for a shoe that wears that quickly. I mean on the first run the soles wear too quick. I had to put shoe goo on wear marks. So now I stick to NB and super satisfied, so far no injuries.
I wear Nike pegasus - toe box fits well for me. I also have begun to wear compression socks - I have a vericose vein in one leg and I am finding that the socks help with leg fatigue and any soreness relative to the vein. I'd love to hear anybody else's experience with regards to vericose veins!
I am much like you Terrell in that I love what I buy and wear it until it falls apart. However I have recently purchased a few items ( running shorts & light weight, rain resistant jacket called the Houdini) from Patagonia since they are so environmentally progressive and there quality is above and beyond. I have become a Patagonia raving fan... Re:shoes, after 50 years of experimenting with a dozen brands, I find the Brooks “ghost” provides this aging runner with the best “fit” and “quality”.....
I like when I find nicer brands like Korsa/Rabbit on-sale or on a clearance rack. I usually can't convince myself of the full price option. So, it feels like a small victory when I find discounted "lux" running gear.
I switched to running in Altras a few years back and think these shoes have kept me injury free. Specifically I’m interested in any zero drop shoes but Altras have a great wide forefoot. The added benefit is zero drop lasts a lot longer than other shoes.
I discovered Lululemon running shorts a few years ago. They cost too much but last forever.
I'm kind of unconventional- I live in Amish country and I have to say my favorite training apparel is a baggy T-shirt and a pair of worn out scrub pants- loads of pockets for my music ,no one is offended by me in shorts if a buggy passes. For a race though, I like Nike shorts-again-pockets.
I typically look for sale rack items for shorts. Shirts are from races, and socks I usually stick with known running sock brands. I splurged once for Run Janji while in Boston where they had a pop-up shop. They donate a lot to water projects in Africa.
I love New Balance and Nike running clothes. New Balance has a line called Impact Run and I am totally in love with their bike short and leggings in this line They wear well and have the all important side pockets! Unfortunately, I think they are discontinuing the bike short. However I just purchased 4 pair (don't judge, lol!) at Joe's New Balance outlet online. Nike has some amazing cold weather tops that I really like as well. For me, I have found that the fit and longevity of the items from both companies make the clothes well worth the price. That said, I almost always buy items when they are on sale or clearance. For cold temps, I like tights from Woolx. It seems that my legs and bum always freeze on cold runs and these tights really help keep me warm. I can layer sweat pants over them if it's really cold, or wind pants in windy conditions to stay comfortable. Another item I really like is Headsweats visors. I wear one of these most of the year and will just add a warm headband in cold weather to keep my ears warm. Hoka is my shoe brand. I haven't looked back since I tried my first pair of Cliftons! I love the springiness of the cushioning and as the shoe gets older the foam doesn't get boggy, but really seems to retain much of that springy feeling.
I'm a big fan of Tracksmith - just love the quality and style. I have a green merino longsleeve since forever.
I also tried lots of shorts and found out that the plain vanilla Nike 2-1 shorts work best for me - and I love the hand pockets where I can just stash my gels and my iPhone.
Craft also has pretty nice T-shirts and I wear Willpower Running (https://www.willpower-running.com/) when I want to look really cool.
After years of trying to be all things to all people by selling running bras with removable pads, one company at least has gotten the memo. No one likes removable pads. They are hard to put back after washing. If you don’t put them back, the bras don’t fit the same. Kudos to Brooks for reviving bras with built in padding that does not fail in the wash because it’s seamless, of the same material as the rest of the bra. These bras are flying out of running stores. No, I don’t work for Brooks, and I’m not a brand ambassador. I encourage other brands to follow their lead and simplify our lives. No more orphan bra pads cluttering up drawers! (They tend to follow socks into the washing universe’s black hole.)
I hear you with wearing the same clothes for years and years. My wife is always trying to get me to throw old t-shirts and shorts away. I will say the one thing I am addicted to are sleeveless tops. When I was younger I wouldn't have been caught dead in a shirt without sleeves. Now I don't run in anything else. Less shirt to get all sweaty and clingy, nothing on chafe my arms on a long run.
I spent a long time trying to figure out what to hold my phone in while running. Arm bands universally sucked. I used belts for a while and still use them on longer runs. But most of the time I just hold my phone now. . .
i love my rabbit shorts. they make their shirts impossible for me to wear (too short in length) but the running shorts are so comfortable and i love that they have a zip pocket. i also love my brooks dare running bra (they changed the style but i'm happy that i have 3 of the tried and true) and i love love love my tracksmith winter tights. they are comfortable, warm tight at the waist so they don't drag down, and they have a zipper too! i also have various race shirts, tanks and jackets that mean the world to me.